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The last team in the field is moving on after getting a win in the 2023 CCAA Softball Tournament. The No. 6 seed Chico State softball team performed like they were playing with house-money as it knocked off the No. 3 seed Cal State San Marcos, 5-2, in an opening-round elimination game.
 
After falling behind 1-0, the Wildcats tied the game with a run in the third and then fully capitalized on their opportunity in the fourth inning to score four runs and take a lead it would never relinquish.
 
With one out, the Wildcats loaded the bases on a hit by pitch, a walk, and a single that landed just fair. Mia Santos quickly fell behind in the count 0-2, but she fouled off some pitches before poking one over the infield to left field. The outfielder tried to gather and throw to cut off a second run from scoring, but the ball bounced away from her, allowing two runs to score and putting runners at second and third. The next batter, Tayler Berens capped the rally with a two-run single to push the Wildcats' lead to 5-2.
 
The Cougars immediately struck back for a run as Mackenzie Kestler homered to lead off the inning. Coach Angel Shamblin then turned to Katelyn Oldwin out of the bullpen. She came into the game in relief of freshman Amelie Valdez (9-9), who went the first four innings, allowing three hits and two runs while striking out four. Oldwin came in and set all nine Cougars she faced down in order to earn her first save of the season.
 
Savannah Coyle (15-7) was charged with the loss. The left-hander was charged with five earned runs in 3.1 innings.  
 
Santos went 2-for-3 with two RBI and two runs scored. Grace Stover added two hits as the Wildcats outhit the Cougars 7-3.
 
Chico State will face the No. 1 Sonoma State tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. in the double-elimination portion of the bracket.